Jefferson Medical College Alpha Omega Alpha Guide to USMLE Step II: Clinical Knowledge

Common Questions

How important is the USMLE Step II CK score anyway?

A passing score on the USMLE Step II CK is required for all medical students prior to beginning residency. Most students improve on their prior Step I score - although less important than the earlier test, students frequently study hard and ace Step II to strengthen their residency application if their Step I score was lower than desired.

What is the best time of year for Jefferson students to take the USMLE Step II CK?

The optimal time to take Step II CK is a frequent dilemma for Jefferson students. While there is no 'correct' answer to this question, there are several important factors to consider when making this decision.

Advantages of taking the exam early in the year include the opportunity to improve upon one's Step I score for residency application, familiarity with the knowledge recently acquired during the third year clerkships and shelf exams, and simply "getting it out of the way." Other students in the military match also have to take Step II CK early. 

Pros of taking the exam later (but not too late!**) in the year include allowing one's full attention to be devoted to the residency application process, and the ability to withhold one's scores from residency programs until after the match. Some students choose to use a “vacation month” during interview season and can choose to study for Step II CK during that month as well as interview. 

Thus, each person faces a unique situation that will determine the best time to take the Step II CK. But whatever you choose to do, decide early enough to make sure you can schedule your desired date.  While scheduling is not as big an issue as it is with Step II CS since there is more than one center, popular dates may be booked up. 

The Jefferson deans of student affairs can be very helpful in this regard, so make sure to contact your dean towards the end of third year for their advice. Keep in mind that Jefferson requires students to have taken Step II CK by the end of January. This allows students to re-take the exam if they fail before residency begins (as mentioned previously, you cannot begin residency without having passed Step II CK).

**It is important to check with the residency programs that you apply if they have a deadline for score submission prior to the Match.

They are able because they think they are able.
Virgil

Last updated: March 2010